The 21 Best Field Jackets

The M-65 field jacket became standard issue to United States troops in 1965 during the Vietnam Conflict. A successor to the M-51 field jacket issued to troops during the previous war, the M-65 was heavier, outfitted with more features, and better suited to fend off the cold and often rainy conditions experienced in the jungles of Vietnam thanks to a heavyweight cotton canvas construction. Like the M-51 and M-43 jackets used before it, the new version sported an olive green colorway along with a concealable hood, adjustable cuffs, snap buttons, and a plethora of large pockets throughout for carrying extra gear in the field.

The military field jacket hasn’t changed very much over the past 50 years since the M-65 was introduced, save for a few extra style cues including colors, materials, and subtle changes that don’t skew far from the original design.

Now, long after the Army field jacket has gone by the wayside for gear better suited for combating the cold and rain, the field jacket design has gained even more popularity in the fashion world. You don’t have to be an enlisted soldier to enjoy the stylish looks and functional benefits of a quality field coat, because they look great while out in the city, perform just as well at the campsite or on the trail, and offer plenty of storage pockets for toting your EDC essentials. If you’re interested in adding this classic staple to your wardrobe, here are our picks of the best military-style field jackets available right now, in no particular order.

Brandit M-65 Field Jacket

Inspired by the iconic, military-issued jackets of yesteryear, the Brandit M-65 Giant Field Jacket sports a vintage design complete with a stonewashed inner shell that renders it much softer than the originals, a removable winter lining that can be worn as a standalone piece during fairer weather, a storm flap, and various cargo pockets for storing endless EDC gear. The jacket’s most notable feature, besides the ample storage options, is it’s drawstring hood that is easily concealable via a velcro collar. – Shop Now

Proof Field Jacket

Proof knows that the right outerwear is important during the cooler seasons, hence their release of their version of the classic military Field Jacket. It’s a modern, streamlined approach to the M-65, and features a water-resistant outer shell with breathable insulation to combat inclement weather, five separate pockets that offer ample storage space, a modern fit that goes well with your entire wardrobe, and a secret stash pocket for stowing your valuables such as a phone, passport, or wallet. – Shop Now

Outerknown Journey Jacket

Don’t let its clean, minimal design fool you. This M-65-inspired field jacket by sustainable menswear brand Outerknown doesn’t skimp on the details. It’s built from a blend of 4 ounce organic cotton and hemp twill and is lined in self fabric for superior warmth and durability during the cool winter months and any inclement weather that may head your way this season.

Additional features include a two-way zipper and snap closure, a variety of pockets for storing your essentials and everyday carry — including a hidden internal pocket for stowing your wallet and smartphone when out and about. Finally, in proper M-65 fashion — a fabric hood packs neatly into the jacket’s zippered collar, invisible to those around you until an impromptu rain or snow shower calls for it. – Shop Now

Bonobos Military Field Jacket

Is there such a thing as a dressy field jacket? Sure there is — and Bonobos, as you might expect, makes one that’s modern, functional and decidedly stylish. Every bit as wearable as your favorite blazer this fall and winter, this cotton field jacket comes in a range of versatile (and unexpected) color options, from classic Olive to eye-catching Camo to a striking Burgundy. The Burgundy might be our personal favorite, an extremely unique take on the field jacket that’s fit for wearing with dressier pieces like a crisp white Oxford and sleek dark blue denim. Name another field jacket that can do that. – Shop Now

Orvis Midpoint Jacket

If you’re feeling more classic and adventure-ready, then Orvis has the timeless field jacket for you. Made for the field-minded adventurer and made to tackle cool, crisp mornings and chilly nights around the fire, the Midpoint Field Jacket is ready to go for just about any situation (even a blustery city commute). The shorter cut and trimmer silhouette compared to the brand’s traditional field jacket gives it a bit of modern edge (think James Bond in Skyfall), while the slant front button hip pockets provide mobility and everyday carry potential. Pick it up in Olive, or our favorite — Tobacco — and then wear with a thermal henley, rugged field pants and tough hiking boots. – Shop Now

W.R.K. Ethan 3-in-1 Field Jacket

The more options you can provide us when it comes to durable, stylish fall and winter outerwear, the more we’ll take. See Exhibit A: The WRK Ethan 3-in-1 Field Jacket, with .. you guessed it, three jackets in one stylish, functional and surprisingly tough package. Made from sleek and travel-friendly 100 percent nylon in a striking shade of blue, six front pockets (including two snap pockets) make this a truly useful field jacket that’ll look sleek with dark denim and a henley at the bar, or adventure-ready when worn with a flannel field shirt and work pants. – Shop Now

Carhartt Men’s Field Coat

What’s the perfect field coat to team with your durable Carhartt chore pants? Easy — one from the very same brand, priced just right and made to take on your toughest daily tasks (to say the very least). From the corduroy-trimmed collar to the insulation to the use of durable cotton, this field coat is perfect for outdoor work and outdoor adventures alike. It’s also rare to find a field coat at this price point, so we say you shouldn’t hesitate to pick it up as soon as possible. – Shop Now

Alpha Industries Revival Field Coat

Turn to the brand that started out making coats for the military to supply your next tough, instantly wearable field coat. The Revival Field Coat has all the trappings of a classic field coat, right down to the engaging and cool camo pattern. That’ll set it apart from the pack on your commute, at your next football tailgate or at a brewery visit. Front flap pockets cement the classic utility of this silhouette, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to layer with a denim shirt and a henley this fall. – Shop Now

Helly Hansen Kobe Field Jacket

Can a jacket be technical and yet also supremely stylish? Sure thing — particularly with the Helly Hansen Kobe Field Jacket, a brilliant take on the field jacket that merges modern style with tough functionality. It’s waterproof, windproof and breathable, all at once, and it’s also fully seam-sealed. Rest assured, this is a jacket that can layer up in inclement weather this fall with ease. You’re also getting Helly Tech construction and exterior pockets that provide essential room for your everyday carry must-haves. – Shop Now

Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket

Looking for a brand to come through in the clutch when it comes time to shop for you next field jacket? Filson delivers, time and again. That’s why we love the 3-Layer Field Jacket, made from rugged and tough nylon, not to mention waterproof functionality. It’s a beastly jacket featuring articulated sleeves and reinforced forearms — the rear game bag and expandable shell pockets will certainly come in handy during long days in the field. You’ll have to invest in it upfront, but rest assured that it’s a spend that’ll pay dividends every single time you wear it. – Shop Now

Outdoor Research Prologue Field Jacket

There are times where you just need a coat you can grab and throw on without worrying about — in matters of style, dependability and toughness. Outdoor Research provides exactly that with its Prologue Field Jacket, a durable piece of outerwear that’s outdoor-friendly and subtly stylish. It’s a nylon-polyester blend for durability in the elements, and it comes in a range of neutral and easy-to-style colors. From the double-needle stitching to the double-weave fabric, it’s remarkably tough and ready to layer up with your favorite pair of faded blue denim and a garment-dyed henley. – Shop Now

Cockpit M65 Field Jacket

For over 40 years, Cockpit USA has been setting a standard for high-quality leather flight and field jackets, contracting with many government agencies both domestic and abroad with the gear needed for their soldiers and pilots. A favorite among their list of jackets is this M-65 field jacket, an authentic military jacket made to meet the same specification of the original 1965 M-65 model issued by the U.S. Army. Snap closures, adjustable sleeve cuffs, and a zippered concealed hood give this field jacket it’s vintage appeal. – Shop Now

Lucky Brand Waxed M-65 Field Jacket

What to pair with your new favorite denim from Lucky Brand? A stylish and classic M-65 field jacket, ideally outfitted with a waxed finish for maximum durability. Made from an equally classic cotton-nylon blend in a timeless color, this M-65 Field Jacket is a very worthwhile addition to your wardrobe this season. We think it works best with a natural henley and broken-in indigo denim, all the better to team with moc toe boots on the weekend. There’s no telling where you’ll go with a jacket this stylish — we think you should wear it as much as possible. – Shop Now

Abercrombie & Fitch Combat Jacket

Blending the cool of streetwear with the rugged appeal of military classics, the Abercrombie & Fitch Combat Jacket has all the bells and whistles you need … and none you don’t. With a cotton exterior and nylon-cotton interior lining, touches like the sherpa-lined collar and a functional hood stand out from the pack when it comes to this generation of field jackets. It’s the type of jacket we could see working on rainy days or in instances where you want something a bit more casual, yet eye-catching. – Shop Now

Patagonia Maple Grove Canvas Jacket

Outdoor-minded adventurers surely know all about Patagonia and its unwavering commitment to quality and eco-conscious designs. That’s never been more apparent than with the Maple Grove Canvas Jacket, except you get a unique dash of style thrown in, too. Featuring unique construction (organic cotton plus polyester stretch canvas), this jacket is finished with DWR for weather-ready capabilities, and polished off in crisp, cool colors like Navy and Bence Brown (a rich tan that happens to be our favorite). Throw it on and get out there. – Shop Now

Alpha Industries M-65 Field Coat

Boasting a vintage look with a modern feel, this M-65 field jacket by Alpha Industries includes all of the features of the original M-65 field jackets—such as a concealed hood, a drawcord waist, snap fasteners, and a weatherproof, heavy cotton blend construction—along with all of the heavy duty hardware that will stand up to repeated use and abuse. – Shop Now

Vince Military Field Jacket

While a bit on the pricier side, you definitely get what you pay for with the Vince Military Field Jacket, which includes a heavy duty waxed canvas cotton that can stand up to inclement weather, a concealable hood, 5 large front storage pockets, and lightweight polyester blend inner lining. It’s versatile enough to wear both at the campsite and out to eat with your lady friend. – Shop Now

J.Crew Field Mechanic Jacket

The Field Mechanic Jacket by J.Crew is a modern take on the vintage field coat, offering a trimmer fit and a more modern look for everyday wear without sacrificing the features that made the original M-65 field jackets so great such as a foldable zip hood, flap pockets, and adjustable cuff tabs. – Shop Now

Barbour Sapper Field Jacket

Barbour has a penchant for crafting modern clothing with some serious vintage flare, as seen with their popular Steve McQueen Rexton Jacket. It’s only natural then, that they pay homage to the military field jacket, a classic favorite for everyday wear on the street. The Sapper Field Jacket features a medium weight 6 ounce waxed cotton exterior with a weatherproof treatment, an assortment of pocket storage, and all the trimmings that make it a win in the field and out. – Shop Now

L.L. Bean Original Field Coat

As soon as it lands on your doorstep, the L.L. Bean original Field Coat feels as if it’s been worn for over a generation. It’s soft, Nor’Easter canvas cotton is built to stand up to the rigors of the outdoors such as briars, bushes, and cold rain, while a sewn-in lining, underarm gussets, and bi-swing shoulders allow for freedom of movement while keeping you warm on your next hunting trip. – Shop Now

Anchorage Waterproof M65 Field Jacket

If you’re roughing it in the great outdoors and expecting horrible weather, the Anchorage M65 is the field jacket you’ll want to be wearing. Essentially a reimagined version of the original M-65 model, the Anchorage is completely waterproof thanks to sealed seams and waterproof YKK zippers, completely breathable, and nearly indestructible in the face of the elements. – Shop Now

Tom Ford Quilted Field Jacket

Want a field jacket that James Bond wouldn’t look out of place wearing? You want the Tom Ford Quilted Field Jacket, a sleek and utterly beautiful field jacket that represents a bold new addition for your consideration. From the diamond quilting to the rarely seen biker-inspired shoulder detailing, this jacket is remarkable in more ways than one. It’s lined in luxurious cotton cashmere and also features a silky-soft nylon exterior, not to mention studs embossed with that signature “TF.” Side adjusters complete the uniquely tailored feel of this remarkable field jacket. – Shop Now

Bonobos Tech Wool Field Jacket

Innovative fabrics and sleek designs are all the rage in outerwear these days, and that’s ideal if you favor modern, sleek style. In that regard, the Tech Wool Field Jacket is the way to go, made from super premium water-resistant Italian wool. It’s the perfect pairing with your favorite navy wool suit and fall-ready brown suede Chelsea boots A removable bib and a quilted and lined hood complement the slim fit and city-ready functionality of this jacket, a surefire winner when it comes to tailored, utilitarian style. – Shop Now